March 11, 2022 7.00 am This story is over 24 months old

New COVID guidance for tradespeople visiting homes in Lincolnshire

Tradies may still turn down a cup of tea
New guidance for tradespeople working in the home has been issued to households in England.

Tradespeople may continue to take precautions when visiting homes in Lincolnshire to carry out heating, plumbing or maintenance services after the government issued updated guidance.

Whilst all remaining domestic COVID regulations ended on February 27, the government has set out its plans for ‘Living with COVID-19’, including the new guidance for tradespeople working in the home.

In support of the guidance, OFTEC, the trade association for liquid fuel heating, has developed a five-point checklist so consumers know what to expect when having work carried out in their home.

The advice includes:

  • Stay COVID aware. Even as restrictions ease there are still significant levels of infection so it’s important not to be complacent. Tradespeople may be taking their own additional precautions, and this should be respected wherever possible
  • Good ventilation protects everyone. Improving indoor air quality through opening windows and doors to ensure a good flow of air is a simple step we can all take when we have people in our home, particularly as we head into the warmer months
  • Tradespeople may wear a mask. If a tradesperson is working in a confined space they may choose to wear a mask, or it may be a part of their company policy. They may also ask you to maintain social distancing whilst they are in your property
  • Tradespeople may still turn down a cup of tea. Technicians and plumbers may choose to follow additional precautions such as regularly washing their hands or turning down drinks and refreshments
  • Alert a tradesperson if you are shielding or isolating. If you are vulnerable then inform the tradesperson in advance and they may be able to put in place additional safety measures to make you feel more comfortable. If you are isolating or have tested positive for COVID, it is important you speak with your tradesperson so they can rearrange the work once you have recovered. Your tradesperson may contact you ahead of their visit to ask these questions

Malcolm Farrow, from OFTEC, said: “Whilst the rules are being relaxed, COVID is still something many businesses will be thinking about.

“Households in Lincolnshire should feel comfortable welcoming tradespeople into their homes to complete projects or maintenance work, but it’s sensible to continuing observing precautions like good ventilation and regular hand washing whilst respecting any additional steps the tradesperson wants to take.

“It’s also very important to alert a tradesperson before they visit your property if you are shielding or recently tested positive for COVID so they can take the appropriate steps to keep everyone safe.”